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International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2022Air pollution affects health, but much of the focus to this point has been on outdoor air. Higher indoor pollution is anticipated due to increasingly energy-efficient... (Review)
Review
Indoor Air Pollution and the Health of Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Effects on Children and People with Pre-Existing Lung Disease.
Air pollution affects health, but much of the focus to this point has been on outdoor air. Higher indoor pollution is anticipated due to increasingly energy-efficient and less leaky buildings together with more indoor activities. Studies of indoor air pollution focusing on children and people with respiratory disease from the database Web of Science (1991-2021) were systemically reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines, with 69 studies included in the final selection. Emissions from building materials affected indoor air quality, and ventilation also had an influence. The main indoor air pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Particulate Matter (PM). PM sources included smoking, cooking, heating, candles, and insecticides, whereas sources of coarse particles were pets, housework and human movements. VOC sources included household products, cleaning agents, glue, personal care products, building materials and vehicle emissions. Formaldehyde levels were particularly high in new houses. Personal exposure related to both indoor and outdoor pollutant levels, highlighting home characteristics and air exchange rates as important factors. Temperature, humidity, educational level, air purifiers and time near sources were also related to personal exposure. There was an association between PM and Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), lung function, oxygen saturation, childhood asthma and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. High VOCs were associated with upper airways and asthma symptoms and cancer. Effective interventional studies for PM in the future might focus on human behavior together with air purifiers and increased ventilation, whereas VOC interventions might center more on building materials and household products, alongside purification and ventilation.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution, Indoor; Asthma; Child; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases; Particulate Matter; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 35886604
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148752 -
Neurotoxicology Dec 2022Accumulating data suggest that air pollution increases the risk of internalizing psychopathology, including anxiety and depressive disorders. Moreover, the link between... (Review)
Review
Accumulating data suggest that air pollution increases the risk of internalizing psychopathology, including anxiety and depressive disorders. Moreover, the link between air pollution and poor mental health may relate to neurostructural and neurofunctional changes. We systematically reviewed the MEDLINE database in September 2021 for original articles reporting effects of air pollution on 1) internalizing symptoms and behaviors (anxiety or depression) and 2) frontolimbic brain regions (i.e., hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex). One hundred and eleven articles on mental health (76% human, 24% animals) and 92 on brain structure and function (11% human, 86% animals) were identified. For literature search 1, the most common pollutants examined were PM (64.9%), NO (37.8%), and PM (33.3%). For literature search 2, the most common pollutants examined were PM (32.6%), O (26.1%) and Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) (26.1%). The majority of studies (73%) reported higher internalizing symptoms and behaviors with higher air pollution exposure. Air pollution was consistently associated (95% of articles reported significant findings) with neurostructural and neurofunctional effects (e.g., increased inflammation and oxidative stress, changes to neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and their metabolites) within multiple brain regions (24% of articles), or within the hippocampus (66%), PFC (7%), and amygdala (1%). For both literature searches, the most studied exposure time frames were adulthood (48% and 59% for literature searches 1 and 2, respectively) and the prenatal period (26% and 27% for literature searches 1 and 2, respectively). Forty-three percent and 29% of studies assessed more than one exposure window in literature search 1 and 2, respectively. The extant literature suggests that air pollution is associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptoms and behaviors, and alterations in brain regions implicated in risk of psychopathology. However, there are several gaps in the literature, including: limited studies examining the neural consequences of air pollution in humans. Further, a comprehensive developmental approach is needed to examine windows of susceptibility to exposure and track the emergence of psychopathology following air pollution exposure.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Anxiety Disorders; Brain; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 36280190
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.011 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2019Both air pollution and dementia are current and growing global issues. There are plausible links between exposure to specific air pollutants and dementia.
BACKGROUND
Both air pollution and dementia are current and growing global issues. There are plausible links between exposure to specific air pollutants and dementia.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the evidence base with respect to the relationship between air pollution and later cognitive decline and dementia.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO® were searched from their inception to September 2018, for publications reporting on longitudinal studies of exposure to air pollution and incident dementia or cognitive decline in adults. Studies reporting on exposure to tobacco smoke including passive smoking or on occupational exposure to pollutants were excluded. Using standard Cochrane methodology, two readers identified relevant abstracts, read full text publications, and extracted data into structured tables from relevant papers, as defined by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Papers were also assessed for validity. CRD42018094299Results:From 3,720 records, 13 papers were found to be relevant, with studies from the USA, Canada, Taiwan, Sweden, and the UK. Study follow-up ranged from one to 15 years. Pollutants examined included particulate matter ≤2.5 μ (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrous oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone. Studies varied in their methodology, population selection, assessment of exposure to pollution, and method of cognitive testing. Greater exposure to PM2.5, NO2/NOx, and CO were all associated with increased risk of dementia. The evidence for air pollutant exposure and cognitive decline was more equivocal.
CONCLUSION
Evidence is emerging that greater exposure to airborne pollutants is associated with increased risk of dementia.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 30775976
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-180631 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Dec 2020Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, and suspicion arose regarding bladder, kidney, and urinary tract cancer (urological cancers). However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been linked to lung cancer, and suspicion arose regarding bladder, kidney, and urinary tract cancer (urological cancers). However, most of evidence comes from occupational studies; therefore, little is known about the effect of exposure to air pollution on the risk of urological cancers in the general population.
METHOD
We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles investigating the associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and the risk of urological cancer (incidence or mortality). We included articles using a specific air pollutant (PM, PM, …) or proxies (traffic, proximity index …). We assessed each study's quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and rated the quality of the body of evidence for each pollutant-outcome with the GRADE approach. The different study methodologies regarding exposure or outcome prevented us to perform a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
twenty articles (four case-control, nine cohort, and seven ecologic) met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review: eighteen reported bladder, six kidney, and two urinary tract. Modeling air pollutants was the most common exposure assessment method. Most of the included studies reported positive associations between air pollution and urological cancer risk. However, only a few reached statistical significance (e.g. for bladder cancer mortality, adjusted odds-ratio of 1.13 (1.03-1.23) for an increase of 4.4 μg.m-3 of PM). Most studies inadequately addressed confounding, and cohort studies had an insufficient follow-up.
DISCUSSION
Overall, studies suggested positive (even though mostly non-significant) associations between air pollution exposure and bladder cancer mortality and kidney cancer incidence. We need more studies with better confounding control and longer follow-ups.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Particulate Matter; Urinary Bladder; Urologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 32871482
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115328 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Jul 2023Heart failure (HF) poses a significant global disease burden. The current evidence on the impact of air pollution on HF remains inconsistent. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Heart failure (HF) poses a significant global disease burden. The current evidence on the impact of air pollution on HF remains inconsistent.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to provide a more comprehensive and multiperspective assessment of the associations between short- and long-term air pollution exposure and HF from epidemiological evidences.
METHODS
Three databases were searched up to 31 August 2022 for studies investigating the association between air pollutants (, , , , CO, ) and HF hospitalization, incidence, or mortality. A random effects model was used to derive the risk estimations. Subgroup analysis was conducted by geographical location, age of participants, outcome, study design, covered area, the methods of exposure assessment, and the length of exposure window. Sensitivity analysis and adjustment for publication bias were performed to test the robustness of the results.
RESULTS
Of 100 studies covering 20 countries worldwide, 81 were for short-term and 19 were for long-term exposure. Almost all air pollutants were adversely associated with the risk of HF in both short- and long-term exposure studies. For short-term exposures, we found the risk of HF increased by 1.8% [relative risk , 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.011, 1.025] and 1.6% (, 95% CI: 1.011, 1.020) per increment of and , respectively. HF was also significantly associated with , , and CO, but not . Positive associations were stronger when exposure was considered over the previous 2 d (lag 0-1) rather than on the day of exposure only (lag 0). For long-term exposures, there were significant associations between several air pollutants and HF with RR (95% CI) of 1.748 (1.112, 2.747) per increment in , 1.212 (1.010, 1.454) per increment in , and 1.204 (1.069, 1.356) per increment in , respectively. The adverse associations of most pollutants with HF were greater in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of our results.
DISCUSSION
Available evidence highlighted adverse associations between air pollution and HF regardless of short- and long-term exposure. Air pollution is still a prevalent public health issue globally and sustained policies and actions are called for to reduce the burden of HF. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11506.
Topics: Humans; Particulate Matter; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Heart Failure
PubMed: 37399145
DOI: 10.1289/EHP11506 -
Environmental Research Apr 2022Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common allergic diseases in the world, and usually persists throughout the activity. Epidemiological studies have shown a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common allergic diseases in the world, and usually persists throughout the activity. Epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between air pollution and allergic rhinitis. However, we could not find any meta-analysis of the risk of air pollutants (PM, PM, NO, SO, O and CO) on the prevalence of AR in people of all ages.
OBJECTIVES
Carry out a meta-analysis on the results of recent studies (up to 2020) to present valid information about exposure to air pollution and risk of prevalence of AR.
METHODS
We systematically searched three databases for studies up to December 17, 2020, including air pollution and AR. Random effect models were conducted to estimate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Subgroup analysis, funnel plot, Egger's test, and the trim-and-fill method were also conducted.
RESULTS
Thirty-five studies across 12 countries, including a total of 453,470 participants, were included. The OR per 10 μg/m increase of pollutants was 1.13 (1.04-1.22) for PM and 1.12 (1.05-1.20) for PM. The OR per 10 μg/m increment of gaseous pollutants were 1.13 (1.07-1.20) for NO, 1.13 (1.04-1.22) for SO and 1.07 (1.01-1.12) for O. No significant association was observed between CO and AR. Children or adolescents are more sensitive to air pollution than adults. The effects of PM and SO were significantly stronger in Europe than Asia. The effects of air pollutants were more significant and higher in developing countries than in developed countries, except for PM. A significant difference of subgroup test was found between developed and developing countries of NO.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis showed a positive association between air pollution and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, and identified geographic area and economic level as the potential modifiers for the association.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Child; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Particulate Matter; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 34863689
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112472 -
Headache Oct 2023To systematically synthesize evidence from a broad range of studies on the association between air pollution and migraine. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically synthesize evidence from a broad range of studies on the association between air pollution and migraine.
BACKGROUND
Air pollution is a ubiquitous exposure that may trigger migraine attacks. There has been no systematic review of this possible association.
METHODS
We searched for empirical studies assessing outdoor air pollution and any quantified migraine outcomes. We included short- and long-term studies with quantified air pollution exposures. We excluded studies of indoor air pollution, perfume, or tobacco smoke. We assessed the risk of bias with the World Health Organization's bias assessment instrument for air quality guidelines.
RESULTS
The final review included 12 studies with over 4,000,000 participants. Designs included case-crossover, case-control, time series, and non-randomized pre-post intervention. Outcomes included migraine-related diagnoses, diary records, medical visits, and prescriptions. Rather than pooling the wide variety of exposures and outcomes into a meta-analysis, we tabulated the results. Point estimates above 1.00 reflected associations of increased risk. In single-pollutant models, the percent of point estimates above 1.00 were carbon monoxide 5/5 (100%), nitrogen dioxide 10/13 (78%), ozone 7/8 (88%), PM 13/15 (87%), PM 2/2 (100%), black carbon 0/1 (0%), methane 4/6 (75%), sulfur dioxide 3/5 (60%), industrial toxic waste 1/1 (100%), and proximity to oil and gas wells 6/13 (46%). In two-pollutant models, 16/17 (94%) of associations with nitrogen dioxide were above 1.00; however, more than 75% of the confidence intervals included the null value. Most studies had low to moderate risks of bias. Where differences were observed, stronger quality articles generally reported weaker associations.
CONCLUSIONS
Balancing the generally strong methodologies with the small number of studies, point estimates were mainly above 1.00 for associations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter with migraine. These results were most consistent for nitrogen dioxide.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone
PubMed: 37795754
DOI: 10.1111/head.14632 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Apr 2021Air pollution is a global health concern. Particulate matter (PM), a component of ambient air pollution, has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of...
Air pollution is a global health concern. Particulate matter (PM), a component of ambient air pollution, has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the pollutants that poses the greatest threat to public health. Cardiovascular health effects have been extensively documented, and these effects are still being researched to provide an overview of recent literature regarding air pollution-associated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in humans. Additionally, potential mechanisms through which air pollutants affect the cardiovascular system are discussed based on human and additional animal studies. We used the strategy of a narrative review to summarize the scientific literature of studies that were published in the past 7 yr. Searches were carried out on PubMed and Web of Science using predefined search queries. We obtained an initial set of 800 publications that were filtered to 78 publications that were relevant to include in this review. Analysis of the literature showed significant associations between air pollution, especially PM, and the risk of elevated blood pressure (BP), acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrhythmia, and heart failure (HF). Prominent mechanisms that underlie the adverse effects of air pollution include oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, autonomic imbalance, and thrombogenicity. The current review underscores the relevance of air pollution as a global health concern that affects cardiovascular health. More rigorous standards are needed to reduce the cardiovascular disease burden imposed by air pollution. Continued research on the health impact of air pollution is needed to provide further insight.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Environmental Monitoring; Hemodynamics; Humans; Inhalation Exposure; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33513082
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00706.2020 -
Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing Apr 2022Pressure injury (PI) is a significant health problem among inpatients that affects their health, quality of life, and expenses. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pressure injury (PI) is a significant health problem among inpatients that affects their health, quality of life, and expenses.
AIM
This systematic review aimed to compare effects of alternating pressure air mattresses (APMs) with other types of supporting surfaces as a tool for PI prevention.
METHODS
The literature published between 2009 and 2020 was searched using the databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses process was followed, including independent study selection and data extraction. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0).
RESULTS
A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were analyzed. The incidence of hospital-acquired PIs at stage 1 or higher was reported in the APM group from 0.3% to 25%. In one study, APMs were found to be less effective than static air mattresses (SAMs); in contrast, two studies found no difference. In one study, the APM was reported to be more effective than the viscoelastic foam mattress (VFM). On the contrary, in a more recent study, the APM was reported to be less effective than the VFM, and there was no difference compared with high-specification foam mattresses in another study. Using the RoB 2.0 tool, one study was evaluated at "low risk of bias," another as "some concern," and four as "high risk."
LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION
There is insufficient evidence to suggest that APM is more effective in preventing PIs than other supporting surfaces. Evidence to date suggests that APM can be used in patients at risk for PIs. It is important to change position regardless of the type of support surface used. Highly controlled RCTs with low risk of bias are needed to provide strong evidence for identifying the most effective PI prevention support surfaces.
Topics: Air; Beds; Humans; Incidence; Pressure Ulcer; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35229980
DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12570 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2020(1) Background: There is increasing awareness that the quality of the indoor environment affects our health and well-being. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in particular has an...
(1) Background: There is increasing awareness that the quality of the indoor environment affects our health and well-being. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in particular has an impact on multiple health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular illness, allergic symptoms, cancers, and premature mortality. (2) Methods: We carried out a global systematic literature review on indoor exposure to selected air pollutants associated with adverse health effects, and related household characteristics, seasonal influences and occupancy patterns. We screened records from six bibliographic databases: ABI/INFORM, Environment Abstracts, Pollution Abstracts, PubMed, ProQuest Biological and Health Professional, and Scopus. (3) Results: Information on indoor exposure levels and determinants, emission sources, and associated health effects was extracted from 141 studies from 29 countries. The most-studied pollutants were particulate matter (PM and PM); nitrogen dioxide (NO); volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including benzene, toluene, xylenes and formaldehyde; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including naphthalene. Identified indoor PM sources include smoking, cooking, heating, use of incense, candles, and insecticides, while cleaning, housework, presence of pets and movement of people were the main sources of coarse particles. Outdoor air is a major PM source in rooms with natural ventilation in roadside households. Major sources of NO indoors are unvented gas heaters and cookers. Predictors of indoor NO are ventilation, season, and outdoor NO levels. VOCs are emitted from a wide range of indoor and outdoor sources, including smoking, solvent use, renovations, and household products. Formaldehyde levels are higher in newer houses and in the presence of new furniture, while PAH levels are higher in smoking households. High indoor particulate matter, NO and VOC levels were typically associated with respiratory symptoms, particularly asthma symptoms in children. (4) Conclusions: Household characteristics and occupant activities play a large role in indoor exposure, particularly cigarette smoking for PM, gas appliances for NO, and household products for VOCs and PAHs. Home location near high-traffic-density roads, redecoration, and small house size contribute to high indoor air pollution. In most studies, air exchange rates are negatively associated with indoor air pollution. These findings can inform interventions aiming to improve IAQ in residential properties in a variety of settings.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution, Indoor; Child; Humans; Particulate Matter; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 33276576
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238972